Son of the hero or man of the people
Derived from the Old English surname and the Old Norse byname Manningi, it originally referred to a person of strength or a 'manly' individual. In some contexts, it is also associated with the Old German word for 'people' or 'tribe.' It has transitioned from a surname to a rare but recognizable first name in the United States.
About 18 boys were named Manning in 2025.
American political scientist and professor
Union Army general during the American Civil War
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
